Surgical forceps with bifurcated flanged jaw components

ABSTRACT

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a bifurcated proximal flange extending therefrom defining first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a second engagement portion. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A guide member is configured for positioning between the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The guide member includes a tab extending transversely therefrom that is configured to operably engaged one of the first and second engagement portions to retain the jaw members in engagement with one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/461,397, filed on May 1, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to an open surgical forceps for grasping, sealing, and/or dividing tissue, and methods of manufacturing thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

A forceps is a plier-like instrument which relies on mechanical action between its jaws to grasp, clamp and constrict vessels or tissue. Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to affect hemostasis by heating tissue and blood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue. Certain surgical procedures require more than simply cauterizing tissue and rely on the unique combination of clamping pressure, precise electrosurgical energy control and gap distance (i.e., distance between opposing jaw members when closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue, vessels and certain vascular bundles.

Typically, once a vessel is sealed, the surgeon has to accurately sever the vessel along the newly formed tissue seal. Accordingly, many vessel sealing instruments have been designed which incorporate a knife or blade member which effectively severs the tissue after forming a tissue seal.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a forceps is provided. The forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange extending therefrom. The proximal flange of each jaw member defines a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components of the jaw members are configured to pivotably engage one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components of the jaw members are configured to pivotably engage one another via a second engagement portion independent of the first engagement. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A guide member configured for positioning between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members is also provided. The guide member includes one (or more) tabs extending transversely therefrom that is configured to operably engage one of the first and second engagement portions to retain the jaw members in engagement with one another.

In one aspect, the first flange component of each of the jaw members includes an aperture defined transversely therethrough. One of the first flange components also includes a boss disposed about the aperture thereof. The boss is configured for engagement within the aperture of the other first flange component for pivotably engaging the first flange components to one another. The second flange components may be similarly configured.

In another aspect, the tab is configured for engagement within the apertures defined through the first flange components (or the second flange components) of the jaw members. More specifically, the tab may be configured to resiliently bias into engagement within the apertures defined within the first flange components.

In another aspect, the proximal flanges of the jaw members are disposed in an overlapping, offset configuration relative to one another.

In still another aspect, the proximal flanges cooperate to define a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The guide member may be configured to substantially fill a volume of the lumen to inhibit lateral movement of the jaw members relative to one another.

In yet another aspect, the guide member is formed from first and second guide components, e.g., snap-fit in engagement with one another.

In still yet another aspect, the guide member defines a knife track extending longitudinally therethrough. The knife track is configured to guide reciprocation of a knife therethrough for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members.

In another aspect, the guide member defines one or more wire guides extending longitudinally therethrough. The wire guide(s) is configured to route one or more wires therethrough for coupling to the first jaw member and/or the second jaw member to provide electrosurgical energy thereto.

In yet another aspect, first and second shaft members are coupled to the first and second jaw members, respectively. The shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between the open position and the closed position.

The first and second flange components of each of the jaw members may be welded to the respective shaft member thereof. Further, each jaw member may include a plurality of individual layer components joined together.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a forceps is provided including first and second shaft members, each shaft member having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange extending therefrom that defines a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components of the jaw members are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components of the jaw members are pivotably engaged one another via a second engagement portion such that movement of the shaft members relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position effects movement of the jaw members between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members cooperate to define a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough between the first and second engagement portions thereof. A guide member is disposed within the lumen and is engaged within one of the first and second engagement portions such that the proximal flanges are maintained in engagement with one another.

In one aspect, a knife assembly is disposed within one of the jaw members. The knife assembly includes a knife that is selectively translatable between a retracted position, wherein the knife is disposed within the jaw member, and an extended position, wherein the knife is advanced between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. In such an aspect, the guide member may include a knife track defined therein that is configured to guide translation of the knife between the retracted and extended positions.

In another aspect, the jaw members each include an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon in opposed relation relative to one another. One or both of the tissue sealing plates is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue grasped between the jaw members. In such an aspect, the guide member may further be configured to define one or more wire guides extending longitudinally therethrough. The wire guide(s) is configured to route one or more wire therethrough for providing electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements:

FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of a forceps according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is side view of the forceps of FIG. 1 wherein a portion of one of the shaft members has been removed to shown the internal components thereof and wherein a knife assembly of the forceps is disposed in a retracted position;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the forceps of FIG. 1 wherein a portion of one of the shaft members has been removed to shown the internal components thereof and wherein the knife assembly is disposed in an extended position;

FIG. 3 is a enlarged, perspective view of an end effector assembly configured for use with the forceps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3, shown with parts separated;

FIG. 5A is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the jaw members of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3 shown in position for assembly;

FIG. 5B is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the jaw members of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3 shown engaged to one another;

FIG. 6A is a side, perspective view of a first component of a knife guide configured for use with the end effector assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B is a side, perspective view of a second component of the knife guide;

FIG. 7 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3 in a fully assembled condition;

FIG. 8 is a side, perspective view of one of the jaw members of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of two of the components used to form the jaw member of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, an open forceps 10 contemplated for use in connection with traditional open surgical procedures is shown. For the purposes herein, either an open instrument, e.g., forceps 10, or an endoscopic instrument (not shown) may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. Obviously, different electrical and mechanical connections and considerations apply to each particular type of instrument; however, the novel aspects with respect to the end effector assembly and its operating characteristics remain generally consistent with respect to both the open and endoscopic configurations.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, forceps 10 includes two elongated shafts 12 a and 12 b, each having a proximal end 14 a and 14 b, and a distal end 16 a and 16 b, respectively. Forceps 10 further includes an end effector assembly 100 attached to distal ends 16 a and 16 b of shafts 12 a and 12 b, respectively. End effector assembly 100 includes a pair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120 that are pivotably connected about a pivot 103. Each shaft 12 a and 12 b includes a handle 17 a and 17 b disposed at the proximal end 14 a and 14 b thereof. Each handle 17 a and 17 b defines a finger hole 18 a and 18 b therethrough for receiving a finger of the user. As can be appreciated, finger holes 18 a and 18 b facilitate movement of the shaft members 12 a and 12 b relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position, which, in turn, pivots jaw members 110 and 120 from an open position, wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced-apart relation relative to one another, to a closed position, wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

A ratchet 30 may be included for selectively locking the jaw members 110 and 120 relative to one another at various positions during pivoting. Ratchet 30 may include graduations or other visual markings that enable the user to easily and quickly ascertain and control the amount of closure force desired between the jaw members 110 and 120.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, one of the shafts, e.g., shaft 12 b, includes a proximal shaft connector 19 that is designed to connect the forceps 10 to a source of electrosurgical energy such as an electrosurgical generator (not shown). Proximal shaft connector 19 secures an electrosurgical cable 210 to forceps 10 such that the user may selectively apply electrosurgical energy to the electrically-conductive tissue sealing plates 112 and 122 (see FIGS. 3-4) of jaw members 110 and 120, respectively. More specifically, cable 210 includes a wire (or wires) (not shown) extending therethrough that has sufficient length to extend through one of the shaft members, e.g., shaft member 12 b, in order to provide electrical energy to at least one of the sealing plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, of end effector assembly 100, e.g., upon activation of activation switch 40 b. Alternatively, forceps 10 may be configured as a battery-powered instrument.

Activation switch 40 b is disposed at proximal end 14 b of shaft member 12 b and extends from shaft member 12 b toward shaft member 12 a. A corresponding surface 40 a is defined along shaft member 12 a toward proximal end 14 a thereof and is configured to actuate activation switch 40 b. More specifically, upon approximation of shaft members 12 a, 12 b, e.g., when jaw members 110, 120 are moved to the closed position, activation switch 40 b is moved into contact with, or in close proximity of surface 40 a. Upon further approximation of shaft members 12 a, 12 b, e.g., upon application of a pre-determined closure force to jaw members 110, 120, activation switch 40 b is advanced further into surface 40 a to depress activation switch 40 b. Activation switch 40 b controls the supply of electrosurgical energy to jaw members 110, 120 such that, upon depression of activation switch 40 b, electrosurgical energy is supplied to sealing surface 112 and/or sealing surface 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, to seal tissue grasped therebetween. Other more standardized activation switches are also contemplated, e.g., finger switch, toggle switch, foot switch, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, in conjunction with FIG. 1, forceps 10 may further include a knife assembly 140 disposed within one of the shaft members, e.g., shaft member 12 a and a knife channel 115, 125 (FIG. 4) defined within one or both of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, to permit reciprocation of knife 142 therethrough. Knife assembly 140 includes a rotatable trigger 144 coupled thereto that is rotatable about a pivot for advancing knife 142 from a retracted position within shaft member 12 a (FIG. 2A), to an extended position (FIG. 2B), wherein knife 144 extends into knife channels 115, 125 to divide tissue grasped between jaw members 110, 120. In other words, axial rotation of trigger 144 effects longitudinal translation of knife 142. Other trigger assemblies are also contemplated.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, each jaw member 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 includes a jaw frame 114, 124 having a proximal flange 150, 160 extending proximally therefrom. Jaw frames 114, 124 and proximal flanges 150, 160, respectively, thereof may be monolithically formed. In particular, jaw frames 114, 124 may be formed from a plurality of individual layers that are joined together, as will be described in greater detail below. Proximal flanges 150, 160 are engagable with one another to permit pivoting of jaw members 110, 120 relative to one another between the open position and the closed position upon movement of shaft members 12 a, 12 b (FIG. 1) relative to one another between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. Proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120 also connect jaw members 110, 120 to the respective shaft members 12 b, 12 a thereof, e.g., via welding.

Jaw members 110, 120 each further include an insulator 116, 126 disposed atop jaw frames 114, 124, respectively. Insulators 116, 126, in turn, are configured to receive electrically-conductive tissue sealing plates 112, 122, respectively, thereon and are configured to electrically isolate tissue sealing plates 112, 122 from the remaining components of the respective jaw member 110, 120. Outer jaw housings 118, 128 are disposed about tissue sealing plates 112, 122, jaw frames 114, 124, and insulators 116, 126, respectively, and are configured to house these components at least partially therein. More particularly, outer jaw housings 118, 128 may be over-molded about jaw frames 114, 124, insulators 116, 126 and tissue sealing plates 112, 122, respectively, to engage the components of each respective jaw member 110, 120 to one another, although other manufacturing methods are also contemplated.

In the fully assembled condition, as shown in FIG. 3, tissue sealing plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120 are disposed in opposed relation relative to one another such that, upon movement of jaw members 110, 120 to the closed position, tissue is grasped between tissue sealing plates 112, 122, respectively, thereof. Accordingly, in use, electrosurgical energy may be supplied to one or both of tissue sealing plates 112, 122 and conducted through tissue to seal tissue grasped therebetween and/or knife 142 (FIGS. 2A-2B) may be advanced through knife channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120 to cut tissue grasped therebetween.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5B, proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, each define a generally U-shaped, bifurcated configuration including first and second spaced-apart flange components 152, 154 and 162, 164, respectively. Flange components 152, 154 of proximal flange 150 of jaw member 110 cooperate to define a channel 156 extending longitudinally therebetween that is configured to receive one of the flange components, e.g., flange component 162, of proximal flange 160 of jaw member 120 therein. Flange components 162, 164 of proximal flange 160 of jaw member 120 similarly define a channel 166 extending longitudinally therebetween that is configured to receive one of the flange components, e.g., flange component 154, of proximal flange 150 of jaw member 110 therein. In other words, proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, are configured for positioning relative to one another in an overlapping, offset configuration. However, other configurations, e.g., wherein one of the proximal flanges 150, 160 is completely disposed within the other proximal flange 150, 160, are also contemplated.

Each flange component 152, 154 and 162, 164 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, includes an aperture 153, 155 and 163, 165, respectively, defined transversely therethrough. Apertures 153, 155 of flange components 152, 154, respectively, of jaw member 110 are aligned with one another and, similarly, apertures 163, 165 of flange components 162, 164, respectively, of jaw member 120 are aligned with one another. Further, each aperture 153, 155, 163, 165 may define a similar diameter “D.” One of the flange components of proximal flange 150, e.g., flange component 154, and one of the flange components of proximal flange 160, e.g., flange component 162, each include an annular boss 157, 167, respectively, coaxially disposed adjacent the respective aperture 155, 163 thereof on an outwardly-facing surface 159, 169, respectively, thereof. Annular bosses 157, 167 each define a reduced outer diameter “d” as compared to diameter “D” of apertures 153, 155, 163, 165, i.e., annular bosses 157, 167 extend radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axes of apertures 155, 163, respectively, to cover at least a portion, e.g., the outer periphery, of apertures 155, 163. Due to this configuration, as will be described in greater detail below, when proximal flanges 150, 160 are overlapped with one another, boss 167 of first flange component 162 of jaw member 120 may be pivotably engaged within aperture 153 of first flange component 152 of jaw member 110 and boss 157 of second flange component 154 of jaw member 110 may be pivotably engaged within aperture 165 of second flange component 164 of jaw member 120 in order to pivotable engage proximal flanges 150, 160 and, thus, jaw members 110, 120 to one another.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 3-4 and 5A-5B, the pivotable coupling of jaw members 110, 120 to one another is described. Initially, jaw member 110 is inverted relative to jaw member 120 such that tissue sealing plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, oppose one another. In this position, the U-shaped proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, oppose one another such that each proximal flange 150, 160 may be at least partially inserted into the channel 156, 166 defined within the opposed proximal flange 150, 160, respectively, e.g., to achieve the overlapping, offset configuration of jaw members 110, 120.

With jaw member 110 inverted relative to jaw member 120, proximal flanges 150, 160 are approximated relative to one another such that flange component 154 is disposed within channel 166 of proximal flange 160 of jaw member 120 and such that flange component 162 is disposed within channel 156 of proximal flange 150 of jaw member 110. In other words, in this position, as best shown in FIG. 5A, proximal flanges 150, 160 are disposed in the overlapping, offset configuration wherein annular boss 167 of flange component 162 is positioned adjacent aperture 153 of flange component 152 and wherein annular boss 157 of flange component 154 is positioned adjacent aperture 165 of flange component 164.

In order to pivotably engage proximal flange 150 of jaw member 110 and proximal flange 160 of jaw member 120 to one another, with proximal flanges 150, 160 disposed in the offset, overlapping configuration shown in FIG. 5A, proximal flanges 150, 160 are urged toward one another such that annular boss 167 of flange component 162 is engaged within aperture 153 of flange component 152 and such that annular boss 157 of flange component 154 is engaged within aperture 165 of flange component 164, as shown in FIG. 5B. In this position, flange components 152, 162 are pivotably coupled to one another, i.e., annular boss 167 is rotatably engaged within aperture 153, and are substantially abutting or disposed in close proximity to one another and, similarly, flange components 154, 164 are pivotably coupled to one another, i.e., annular boss 157 is rotatably engaged within aperture 165, and are substantially abutting one another or in close proximity to one another. As such, jaw members 110, 120 may be simultaneously pivoted (e.g., about these two boss-aperture couplings) relative to one another to move jaw members 110, 120 between the open and closed positions for grasping tissue therebetween. Further, this pivotable coupling of bifurcated proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, is advantageous in that channels 156, 166 (collectively, lumen 170) defined within proximal flanges 150, 160, respectively, are substantially uninterrupted. For example, due to this configuration, knife 142 (FIGS. 2A-2B) need not be configured to pass over/under a pivot pin or define a slot therein for receiving the pivot pin therethrough since, instead of a pivot pin extending transversely through lumen 170 (formed by overlapping channels 156, 166 of proximal flanges 150, 160, respectively), proximal flanges 150, 160 are pivotably coupled to one another on either side of lumen 170.

Turning now to FIGS. 6A-6B and 7, a guide member formed from first and second guide components 310, 320, respectively, is positionable within lumen 170 formed by proximal flanges 150, 160, respectively, of jaw members 110, 120 for providing support to and for locking proximal flanges 150, 160 in pivotable engagement with one another. Guide components 310, 320 may be formed via stamping, or any other suitable manufacturing process and/or each of guide components 310, 320 may be monolithically formed. As will be described in greater detail below, first and second guide components 310, 320 of the guide member cooperate to guide translation of knife 142 therethrough and into knife channels 115, 125 defined within jaw members 110, 120, respectively, as knife 142 is translated between the retracted and extended positions (see FIGS. 1-4). Guide components 310, 320 are further configured to route and protect the wire(s) (not shown) that extend from cable 210 and through shaft member 12 b, ultimately coupling to tissue sealing plate 112 of jaw member 110 and/or tissue sealing plate 122 of jaw member 120 for providing electrosurgical energy thereto for sealing tissue grasped therebetween (see FIGS. 1-4).

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 7, first guide component 310 defines a generally rectangular configuration and is configured for insertion into lumen 170 defined by proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. More specifically, first guide component 310 is configured for longitudinal positioning adjacent one side of lumen 170, e.g., in abutting relation or close proximity relative to proximal flange components 152, 162 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, such that first guide component 310 extends longitudinally between the components of each of proximal flanges 150, 160. First guide component 310 further includes a pair of longitudinal rails 311, 312 extending longitudinally therealong and protruding transversely therefrom into lumen 170, i.e., in a direction opposite of proximal flange components 152, 162 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. Rails 311, 312 are spaced apart from one another to define a knife track 313 therebetween that is configured to guide reciprocation of knife 142 therethrough. A pair of opposed slots 314, 315 defined within first guide component 310 outside of, e.g., above and below, rails 311, 312 are configured to engage second guide component 320 (FIG. 6B) therein, as will be described in greater detail below. Further, first and second bars 316, 317, extend longitudinally along and protrude from first guide component 310. Each bar 316, 317 is disposed adjacent to but spaced-apart from one of rails 311, 312, respectively, to define wire guides 318, 319, respectively, therebetween. More specifically, a first wire guide 318 is defined between rail 311 and bar 316, and a second wire guide 319 is defined between rail 312 and bar 317. Wire guides 318, 319 are configured to route and protect the wires (not shown) that extend from electrosurgical cable 210 (FIG. 1) through shaft 12 b (FIG. 1) and to tissue sealing plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, as mentioned above (see FIG. 4).

With reference now to FIGS. 6B and 7, second guide component 320 similarly defines a generally rectangular configuration and is configured for insertion into lumen 170 defined by proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. More specifically, second guide component 320 is configured for insertion into lumen 170 and for longitudinal positioning adjacent first guide component 310 such that opposed tabs 322, 324 of second guide component 320 are engaged, e.g., via snap-fit engagement, within opposed slots 314, 315 defined within first guide component 310. In this position, body 325 of second guide component 320 abuts longitudinal rails 311, 312 of first guide component 310 to fully enclose knife track 313 defined therebetween. As such, first and second guide components 310, 320 cooperate to define a generally rectangular-shaped cross-sectional knife track 313 that is configured to guide reciprocation of the generally rectangular-shaped knife 142 between the retracted and extended positions and to inhibit splaying of knife 142 as knife 142 is advanced through tissue (see FIGS. 2A-2B). Other knife-track configurations formed complementarily to the knife to be translated therethrough are also contemplated. Body 325 of second guide component 320 also abuts bars 316, 317 when disposed within lumen 170 adjacent first guide component 310 such that wire guides 318, 319 are fully enclosed, thus providing additional protection for the wires (not shown) extending therethrough.

Second guide component 320 further includes a cantilever arm 326 monolithically formed therewith. Cantilever arm 326 extends from fixed end 327 thereof adjacent a window 328 defined within second guide component 320 and includes a free end 329 that is biased outwardly to extend from window 328 and second guide component 320. More specifically, cantilever arm 326 extends from second guide component 320 towards proximal flange components 154, 164 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. Upon insertion of second guide component 320 into lumen 170 defined by proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, cantilever arm 326 is flexed inwardly into window 328 to permit such insertion. As second guide component 320 is inserted further through lumen 170, free end 329 of cantilever arm 326 is eventually positioned adjacent apertures 155, 165 of flange components 154, 164, of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, thus allowing free end 329 of cantilever arm 326 to return under bias to the extended position, wherein cantilever arm 326 is disposed through apertures 155, 165, i.e., wherein cantilever arm 326 is resiliently biased. This engagement of cantilever arm 326 within apertures 155, 165, retains, or locks proximal flanges 150, 160, of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, in pivotable engagement with one another. Further, first and second guide components 310, 320 may be configured such that, as shown in FIG. 7, first and second guide components 310, 320, substantially occupy the volume of lumen 170, thus providing additional strength and support to jaw members 110, 120 and inhibiting disengagement of proximal flanges 150, 160, splaying of jaw members 110, 120, and/or lateral movement of jaw members 110, 120 relative to one another.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 3-4, jaw members 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 are configured to engage respective shaft members 12 b, 12 a such that, as mentioned above, movement of shaft members 12 a and 12 b relative to one another between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position is imparted to jaw members 110, 120 for moving jaw members 110, 120 between the open position and the closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Jaw members 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 may be engaged to shaft members 12 b, 12 a, respectively, via welding, or any other suitable manufacturing process.

Proximal flanges 150, 160 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, may each include one or more features formed therein to facilitate welding of jaw members 110, 120 to shaft members 12 b, 12 a, respectively. More specifically, flange component 162 of proximal flange 160 of jaw member 120 may include a cut-out portion 182 configured to mate with a complementary-shaped portion of shaft member 12 a to facilitate welding therebetween; flange component 164 of proximal flange 160 of jaw member 120 may include a post 184, spaced-apart from flange component 164 of proximal flange 160 (with slot 185 defined therebetween), that is configured to align with a portion of shaft member 12 a to facilitate welding of jaw member 110 and shaft member 12 a; and flange components 152, 154 of proximal flange 150 of jaw member 110 may each include a proximally-extending tab 186, 188 configured to provide an attachment area, e.g., a welding area, to facilitate welding jaw member 110 to shaft member 12 b. This configuration, wherein each flange component 152, 154 and 162, 164 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, is welded to the respective shaft member 12 b, 12 a thereof provides additional strength and support and increased side-to-side rigidity to forceps 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, as mentioned above, jaw members 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 (see FIG. 4) may each be formed from a plurality of individual layers that are joined together. The manufacture of jaw member 120 will be described in greater detail below. Although only jaw member 120 is shown in FIGS. 8-9 and described below, jaw member 110 may be formed similarly and, thus, will not be described herein for purposes of brevity.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 8-9, jaw member 120 includes a plurality of individual layers 220 joined together to form the completed jaw member 120. Each layer 220 may be formed from photochemical machining, stamping, or any other suitable manufacturing method. Photochemical machining in particular is advantageous in its ability to machine relatively hard, strong materials that could not be cut by conventional machining techniques. Using a plurality of individual layers 220 as opposed to a single component allows for the use of stronger materials for each layer 220, thus increasing the strength of jaw 120 without requiring an increase in size thereof. Further, this configuration allows any or all of the individual layers 220 to be made from different materials. As such, stronger materials can be used where required, e.g., for those layers 220 forming a portion of proximal flange component 162 or proximal flange component 164, while other materials may be use where added strength is not imperative.

As best shown in FIG. 9, each individual layer 220 may be formed including a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 222 extending from one side thereof and a plurality of similarly-spaced apertures 224 defined therein on the opposing side thereof. Accordingly, the protrusions 222 of each layer 220 may be engaged within the apertures 224 of the adjacent layer 220 to retain the layers 220 in fixed position, e.g., in the desired configuration, relative to one another. Thereafter, with the layers 220 fixed in the desired configuration, the layers 220 may be joined together, e.g., via integrated forming or welding, to form completed jaw member 120.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An end effector assembly of a surgical instrument, comprising: first and second jaw members, each of the jaw members including a proximal flange extending therefrom, each proximal flange defining a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components, the first flange components of the first and second jaw members configured to pivotably engage one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components of the first and second jaw members configured to pivotably engage one another via a second engagement portion independent of the first engagement portion, at least one of the first and second jaw members pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween.
 2. The end effector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first flange component of one of the first and second jaw members includes a first aperture defined transversely therethrough, and wherein the first flange component of the other of the first and second jaw members includes a boss, the boss configured for pivotable engagement within the first aperture.
 3. The end effector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second flange component of one of the first and second jaw members includes a second aperture defined transversely therethrough, and wherein the second flange component of the other of the first and second jaw members includes a boss, the boss configured for pivotable engagement within the second aperture.
 4. The end effector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the proximal flanges are disposed in an overlapping, offset configuration relative to one another.
 5. The end effector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the proximal flanges cooperate to define a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough.
 6. The end effector assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second jaw members defines an opposed electrically-conductive tissue sealing surface, at least one of the electrically-conductive tissue sealing surfaces adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.
 7. A forceps, comprising: at least one shaft member; an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the at least one shaft member, the end effector assembly including: first and second jaw members, each of the jaw members including a proximal flange extending therefrom, each proximal flange defining a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components, the first flange components of the jaw members configured to pivotably engage one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components of the jaw members configured to pivotably engage one another via a second engagement portion independent of the first engagement portion, at least one of the first and second jaw members pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween.
 8. The forceps according to claim 7, further including first and second shaft members, each of the first and second shaft members having one of the first and second jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof such that movement of the first and second shaft members relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position effects movement of the first and second jaw members between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween.
 9. The forceps according to claim 7, further including a knife assembly disposed within the at least one shaft member, the knife assembly including a knife selectively translatable between a retracted position, wherein the knife is disposed within the at least one shaft member, and an extended position, wherein the knife is advanced between the first and second jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.
 10. The forceps according to claim 9, wherein the knife is configured to translate through a lumen defined between the proximal flanges.
 11. The forceps according to claim 7, wherein the first flange component of one of the first and second jaw members includes a first aperture defined transversely therethrough, and wherein the first flange component of the other of the first and second jaw members includes a boss, the boss configured for pivotable engagement within the first aperture.
 12. The forceps according to claim 11, wherein the second flange component of one of the first and second jaw members includes a second aperture defined transversely therethrough, and wherein the second flange component of the other of the first and second jaw members includes a boss, the boss configured for pivotable engagement within the second aperture.
 13. The end effector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the proximal flanges are disposed in an overlapping, offset configuration relative to one another.
 14. The forceps according to claim 7, wherein each of the first and second jaw members defines an opposed electrically-conductive tissue sealing surface, at least one of the electrically-conductive tissue sealing surfaces adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members. 